From the early 90s to late 2000s...as a band they have evolved their sound quite a bit. The Anthropocene Extinction can be seen as one of their best albums; with every song complimenting the previous one and sets the next one up, an endlessly catchy record. Monolith of Inhumanity is less refined, but is the turning point in their discography from goregrind to a more tech-death sound, the first album where vocalist Travis started doing those "clean", goblin-esque vocals. This latest one 'Terrasite' carries on everything they have added in the past few albums and in some areas, improve upon.

For close to three decades, the U.S.-based deathgrind collective, Cattle Decapitation, has been tirelessly venturing into themes surrounding environmental consciousness and animal rights. Their music serves as a stark warning against the perils of climate change, pollution, and ecosystem destruction - all direct consequences of human interference with our planet. As an individual with a non-vegetarian lifestyle and a moderate view on these matters, I find it refreshing to have a band within the metal sphere advocating for these crucial issues, instead of the customary narratives involving (pseudo) demonic tropes or fantastical journeys. This shift is not about assigning credibility – for both sides have their own clichés – but rather about introducing a thematic diversity that subsequently influences the musical output. Cattle Decapitation's unique blend of grind, death, and black metal has indeed been accentuated by this thematic focus, lending the band a unique identity while simultaneously expanding their auditory and visual palette. Their boundary-pushing approach leads them towards increasingly melodic and unpredictable musical landscapes.

A notable milestone in this journey was the release of their groundbreaking album, "Monolith of Inhumanity". This record, which is amongst the most significant extreme metal releases of the past decade, signaled a shift towards a more sophisticated and varied sound. Although I have a personal preference for its follow-up, "The Anthropocene Extinction", the influence of "Monolith of Inhumanity" on the wider scene was profound.

Reading the lyrics while listening to these songs is a must as you enter into the post-apocalyptic world of the future. 'Terrasite' marks a triumphant addition to what is undoubtedly one of the most compelling and unique narratives currently unfolding in the extreme metal landscape. This album continues the exploration of a post-apocalyptic theme, delivering its message through an eco-conscious form of deathgrind that remains accessible, yet potent. While it may not venture into entirely unknown realms or sever ties with its predecessors, it succeeds in maintaining a creative vitality and a topical resonance. The album captures and reflects one of the most significant existential dilemmas of our time: our fight for survival.